Dee Ann Wilhelm, 76, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at her home in Brighton, Colorado. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, June 21, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Brighton with Pastor David Schilling officiating.
Dee Ann Wilhelm was born Saturday, October 25,1947 in Newcastle to Don and Ruth (Holwell) Croxton. She grew up with her two sisters, Norma and Mary in Upton until they moved to Wheatland in the summer of 1959. She graduated from Wheatland High School, where she was active in 4-H and Home Economics.
Dee married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Wilhelm, on September 12,1964 and they had two children, Denise and Jason.
Dee kept very busy during her working years, working full time and attending all of her children’s sporting and school events throughout their youth. She never missed her kid’s events no matter how trivial. She was a very active member of all the churches she attended, especially Zion Lutheran Church, where she also was a member of the leadership board. She became a sports fan due to her husband’s love for the Wyoming Cowboys and Denver Bronco. She continued to watch the Cowboys and Broncos after his passing. She also became an avid Colorado Rockies fan and enjoyed watching golf. She did not miss an episode of The Voice, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, or Price is Right during her retirement years. Her true passion, however, was playing cards with her beloved “card ladies”, with whom she played loyally each Monday and Friday.
Dee started working at a very early age, beginning her career as a secretary for Two Bar Ranch. She spent most of her years in Wheatland working as a legal secretary for Ray Hunkins at Jones, Jones, Vines and Hunkins. She was very dedicated to Ray and his family, and they remained lifelong friends. She began a second career with the State of Wyoming Insurance Department in Cheyenne due to her husband Jerry’s declining health. Dee retired in 2013 and moved to Brighton to be closer to her children and enjoy the life of a retiree and caregiver for her loving husband.
Dee is survived by her children; her daughter, Denise and son, Jason both of the Denver area; her sisters, Norma Taylor of Gillette, and Mary Tlustos and husband Pat of Rapid City; together with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry; her parents, Don and Ruth Croxton; her mother-in-law, Lydia Wilhelm; sisters-in-law, Ruby Bonifacini, Betty Karriker, Gladys Nagel, Barbara Kittell, and Sandra Cancino; and her brothers-in-law, Jim, Jake, William, and Fred Wilhelm.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorials be made to the Tuition Assistance Scholarship for Zion Lutheran School at 1400 Skeel Street, Brighton, Colorado 80601.
funeral: Tabor-Rice Funeral Home – Zion Lutheran Church, both of Brighton are in charge of the arrangements.
